Python Squeeze Stressless Siphon Starter for Aquariums

I loved this at first! Then after a couple months it just stopped working. Extremely frustrating, my tanks are higher than I stand tall so it would have been incredibly useful.

I bought this to go with another product that is a tube siphon to remove dirty water from my aquatic turtle tank. The siphon seemed like an efficient and non-messy way to clean the tank. Unfortunately, it was hard to get the siphon started and it created a mess. I bought this squeeze bulb because I thought it would make the siphon easier to start. Water still splashed on the floor, me, and the furniture. I now use a turkey baster to remove visible organic matter from the water for daily cleaning. When emptying the tank, I scoop out the water until it is too low to scoop, then remove the rest of the water with the baster.

2 stars because technically it did what it was supposed to do but it doesn't work very well. I started with just the Python gravel washer after my Aqueon broke. The gravel washer itself was difficult to get started so I got the siphon starter. Without the starter you had to submerge the whole washer & tube in the tank. I thought using the siphon starter would make it easier to get the siphon to work. I tried it multiple ways. Make sure the tank is at a higher elevation than the bucket. It worked, but the flow of water was slow. I was used to the Aqueon manual siphon that was easier to start and had a better flow of water.

I know some people have complained it doesn’t work and it’s difficult to get started but you have to use gravity to your advantage! If you hold the bulb upside and do one-two squeezes it will start immediately, then direct your flow down into your bucket! This all happens within a few seconds so you have to be pretty quick and do it above the bucket, so it can be a little annoying and you might miss and get the floor a bit wet a few times but it definitely works and I like it just fine.

I like the python brand vacuums there pretty nice. However this siphon starter is terrible. It loses pressure and we have to stink the vacuum horizontal in the tank and cover the end to even get it started. It lets the air escape very badly making it super hard to Start the vacuuming process.

I ordered this for a gravel vacuum I have that can be used without it but I struggled with the technique. Just one squeeze from this and it got the water flowing really fast. At first I was worried gunk from the tank would get stuck in the pump but the valve mechanism it uses did its job perfectly and no stray pieces were left in it. I ended up using the smaller nozzle for the attachment and it was a little tricky to place it but overall, this is a very good product. I found this product cheaper somewhere else after I purchased it but even so, it was worth it because it saves me so much time for my water changes.

Fit my siphon but not understanding how to use. Tried every way I could think of but nothing. A picture of how it's supposed to be hooked up would of helping tremendously.

I have 3 aquariums , 5 gal,10 gal & 20 gal each time draining the tanks for cleaning i had to suck water to get started .... not with the siphon all it takes is a squeeze and the water starts , i love it make tank draining a breeze

Works great no more water in your mouth. Great addition

This thing is awesome! Changing the water doesn't feel like a chore anymore